Shanghai Co-operation Summit (SCO) - Establishment, functions and importance

Shanghai Co-operation Summit (SCO) - Establishment, functions and importance

Establishment - 1996 with The Shanghai Five - Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and China

2001- Uzbekistan became member

Type of Organization: International intergovernmental organization
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Observers: Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, Mongolia
Dialogue Partners: Belarus, Sri Lanka,Turkey

Functions

1. Cooperation on security – To fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism. For this purpose Regional Anti-terrorism Structure (RATS) was established to fight cross-border drug crimes. Also it encompasses cyber warfare fight.

2. Military Co-operation - Increased military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism. A number of SCO joint military exercises were held.

3. Economic cooperation -It covers the oil and gas sector, the exploration of new hydrocarbon reserves, and joint use of water resources. The creation of an Inter-bank SCO Council was also agreed upon in order to fund future joint projects.

4. Cultural cooperation – Cultural minister meet to promote culture.

Geo-political importance of SCO

1. It is important forum for the Eurasian region. Control of the Eurasian landmass is the key to global domination and control of Central Asia is the key to control of the Eurasian landmass

2. It will re-inject a dose of Cold War politics into the region. At its 2005 summit, for example, the SCO asked the United States to set a date for the eventual withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan.

3. The SCO has amongst its members three largest energy producers in the world - Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

4. It is a forum counterbalancing the activities of the United States and NATO in Central Asia.

5. It is important for fight against transnational terrorism.

6. The Silk Road Economic Belt

India's membership will bring

1. Democracy to authoritarian group

2. Counter weight to china as regional power which dominates SCO

3. It would secure India's energy needs . It will pace up progress for TAPI strategic link

4. India suffers from terrorism threat. Co-operation in that matter with SCO members might get some help.

5. India seeks North-South Transport Corridor to connect Mumbai with Abbas port in Iran.

6. Greater co-operation with central Asian country.